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Your University, Your City

Since its founding in 1906, Suffolk University has made a commitment to provide its students with unparalleled experiences and opportunities. Explore our unique downtown Boston location, and then consider the many paths your life might take from here.

Getting Started

We’re excited that you want to learn more about Suffolk, and we think you’ll like what you find. Whether you’re looking into colleges or graduate school programs, we’re eager to help answer your questions and walk you through the application process.

No Boundaries

A Community of Learning

As you start your academic journey, you’ll find a supportive network of faculty, staff, and classmates ready to help you succeed. We let you chart the course your education takes, from traditional classes enriched by real-world experiences to research projects, study abroad, internships, and more.

Life As We Know It

Suffolk places you smack in the heart of Boston, with countless activities at hand and unexpected opportunities around every corner. Whether you’re commuting or living on campus, you’ll find yourself making connections and getting involved.

An Extended Family

When you graduate from Suffolk, you join a strong alumni community that will continue to enrich your life. More than 70,000 living Suffolk alumni stay connected with each other and the University, supporting their alma mater—including current students—in a whole bunch of ways.

Michael Smith, BSBA '61, and Larry Smith, BSBA '65 have pledged $3 million to support Suffolk’s athletics program and to further their student scholarship funding.

Whether you're a student-athlete, an alum, or just looking for the latest game times, you'll find plenty of excitement in Suffolk athletics. We believe that athletic participation and competition are important aspects of the college experience. Lessons discovered through athletic participation contribute to success in a student's college years as well as in their future professional and personal experiences.

Invest in Excellence

Each graduate and friend of Suffolk University has the potential to make Suffolk even greater. We encourage giving at every level, with an emphasis on scholarships for a new generation of Suffolk students. Thank you so much for your support.

Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment

Policy

Policy

Suffolk University is committed to providing a successful learning and working environment for all members of its community free from any harassing or discriminatory conduct. Discrimination and harassment are unlawful and undermine the core values and the principles upon which Suffolk University was founded.

Suffolk University is committed to providing an environment that advances equal opportunity and is free from discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military or veteran status or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law. This commitment applies to the University’s administration of, operation of and access to its academic and non-academic programs, policies and services as well as to its employment policies and practices.

The University prohibits retaliation against individuals who report discrimination or harassment, assist another in reporting a complaint or otherwise participate in an investigation. Accordingly, acts of discrimination or harassment or retaliation will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or dismissal or expulsion from the University.

The University’s Policy prohibiting discrimination and harassment, including sexual misconduct, is designed to ensure a safe and non-discriminatory educational and work environment and to meet its legal obligations under Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in the University’s programs and activities, and other applicable federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination.

The University has a policy which specifically prohibits sexual misconduct – the Suffolk University Policy & Procedures on Sexual Misconduct - which provides detailed information regarding the University’s prohibition against sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, non-consensual sexual activity, sexually exploitative behavior, as well as domestic or relationship violence, dating violence and stalking.

The University will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities to ensure equal access and opportunities with regard to employment, educational opportunities, and the University’s programs and services, in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Students with disabilities who believe they have received inappropriate treatment or inadequate service from the University pertaining to their granted accommodations have the right to file a grievance.

CAS/SBS students wishing to file a grievance should do so with the Director of Disability Services. The grievance must be submitted in writing to disabilityservices@suffolk.edu and should include a detailed description of the inappropriate or inadequate service and supporting documentation (when appropriate). Students with disabilities must indicate the resolution they are seeking.

CAS/SBS students with disabilities who are unsatisfied with the response from the Director of Disability Services may submit an appeal within 5 business days to the ADA Coordinator, Dr. Students with disabilities must state the resolution they are seeking. The decision of the appeal by the Dean of Students is final.

Law Students wishing to file a grievance may request an informal meeting with the Law School Dean of Students to appeal a decision made regarding accommodations. As soon as possible following the informal meeting, the Dean of Students will notify the student in writing of any changes to the decision. If the student disagrees with the decision of the Dean of Students, the student may file a written appeal to an Academic Associate Dean. The written appeal should state in detail the basis for the appeal and furnish all relevant documentation in support of the appeal. The Associate Dean of Students and the Dean of Students will also provide the Academic Associate Dean with any documentation or information relevant to the decision in question. In reviewing the appeal, the Academic Associate Dean may request a meeting with the student and may also request additional information pertinent to the appeal. After review, the Academic Associate Dean will issue a written decision to the student. The decision of the Academic Associate Dean regarding the reasonable accommodation is final and not subject to appeal.

The University works to prevent and address discrimination and harassment through educational programs, training, and complaint resolution. Suffolk University encourages all members of the University community to report any concerns or complaints of discrimination or harassment in accordance with the procedures set forth in this policy. Managers and supervisors are required to respond promptly and appropriately to allegations of discrimination and harassment that are brought to their attention.

Submitting a complaint that is not in good faith or providing false or misleading information in any investigation of complaints is prohibited.

Definitions

Definitions

What is Discrimination?

Discrimination is conduct that is based upon an individual’s race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military or veteran status or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law.

What is Harassment?

Harassment is conduct based upon an individual’s race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military or veteran status or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law. The conduct must create an environment that would be intimidating, hostile or offensive to a reasonable person and which interferes with an individual’s academic status, academic performance, education, living or work environment, work status or work performance.

It is difficult to define with precision the kinds of conduct that constitute harassment, because it depends on circumstances such as the severity, persistence and/or pervasiveness of the conduct and the type, frequency and duration of the conduct.

Harassing conduct may take many forms including, but not limited to, offensive jokes, slurs, epithets or name calling, physical assaults or threats, intimidation, ridicule or mockery, insults or put-downs, offensive objects or pictures, and interference or impediment with academic status, academic performance, education, living or work environment, work status or work performance.

What is a Bias Incident?

A bias incident is an act of conduct, speech or expression of bigotry, harassment or intimidation that one could reasonably conclude is directed at an individual or a group because of that individual or group’s actual or perceived race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military or veteran status. A bias incident can be a form of harassment.

What is a Hate Crime?

A hate crime is any criminal offense committed against an individual or a group, which is motivated in whole or in part by the alleged perpetrator’s bias against a race, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, disability or sexual orientation. Hate crimes may include threatened, attempted, or actual crimes and include, but are not limited to, assault and battery, vandalism or other destruction of property, or verbal threats of physical harm.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality

The University will treat information it receives with
appropriate sensitivity. However, the
University cannot guarantee absolute confidentiality in all situations.

Confidential Options - Student Only Resources

If
you are a student and you want to speak confidentially about discrimination or
harassment, including a bias incident or a hate crime, you may speak with the
professional counselors in the University Counseling, Health and Wellness
Center and the University Chaplain or Catholic Priest in the University
Interfaith Center.

Contact information
for these resources as well as Non-Confidential Reporting options are listed
below:

Confidential Options - Employee Only Resources

Employee Assistance Program

E4 Health (formerly Lifescope) provides you and your family members with free, confidential, 24/7 access to licensed, master’s level clinicians to assist in finding solutions to help balance personal and work challenges. The goal is to help you simplify your life. Employees and their family members can access services via phone at 800-828-6025or on the web at www.helloe4.com (username: Suffolk University; password: guest).

Reporting an Incident to the University

Reporting Discrimination or Harassment, Including a Bias
Incident or a Hate Crime, to the University

Members
of the University are strongly encouraged to report all forms of discrimination
or harassment, including a bias incident or a hate crime. They may notify any
of the offices or departments below which can explain all reporting options:

Reports may be made
on-line. Anonymous reporting, however, may impact the University’s ability to
respond or pursue appropriate action against the alleged perpetrators. On-line
reports will be reviewed by the Title IX Coordinator.

Filing a Complaint

Filing a Complaint with the University

Please follow the following procedures if you would like to file a complaint with the University regarding discriminatory behavior.

If you have experienced discrimination or harassment and you do not know who perpetrated the conduct, please consult your Dean of Students Office or, if you are an employee, the Human Resources Office.

For a complaint about an employee, please contact Katherine Whidden, Chief Human Resources Officer, at 617.573.8415 or kwhidden@suffolk.edu.

Filing an External Complaint

In addition to or in lieu of filing an internal complaint with Suffolk University, an individual who believes the University’s response was inadequate or has otherwise been subjected to unlawful discrimination or harassment or retaliation may file a formal complaint with the government agencies that are identified below. Using the University’s complaint process does not prohibit a person from filing a complaint an external complaint.

Discrimination, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Prevention Team

Discrimination, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Prevention Team

With the changing landscape of the responsibilities placed on universities to proactively ensure an environment free from discrimination and harassment, including sexual misconduct, Suffolk University has created the Discrimination, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Prevention Team.

The Team is a group of individuals from across the university who seek to foster, support and promote a University culture and climate that fully welcomes diversity by helping to prevent discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct. The Team meets several times a year to discuss any new developments in the area of discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct, issues or concerns happening in the Suffolk University community as well as in our neighborhood, to review policies and procedures, and to ensure the dissemination of information and education throughout the University community.

Bias Incidents and Hate Crimes

Why it is important to report bias incidents and hate crimes?

The police and the University need to know the number, type, and range of bias incidents and hate crimes that impact our community. Reporting these acts will help Suffolk University identify the problem areas to improve services that deal with this type of victimization. As a witness to a bias incident or hate crime, you have a unique opportunity to play a vital role in the internal and/or external justice system. By reporting the incident, information you provide will help the University ensure that offenders answer for their offenses and will help resolve larger issues. The information you give by reporting a hate crime or incident you may witness will:

Help bring the perpetrator to justice—this could prevent further occurrences and protect other Suffolk University community members;

Help you—you may find it beneficial to talk about what has happened and your feelings about it;

Help the Suffolk University community—all such offenses have a negative effect on our community and should be pursued actively.

If you believe that you may have been the target of or a witness to a bias incident or and/or a hate crime, there are several steps you should follow:

If necessary, obtain medical attention, and if you feel unsafe call SUPD immediately at 617.573.8111.

If possible, preserve any evidence and document the incident as thoroughly as possible (graffiti, phone call recording, e-mail message, letter, and so forth) by taking pictures, videotaping, and writing down everything you or witnesses remember, and keeping the contact information of any witnesses. The protocol for dealing with graffiti is first to inform SUPD,
which will then photograph the graffiti. After photographs are
taken, Facilities will be notified to remove the graffiti.

Report the incident to the appropriate authority.

You may also submit an on-line and/or anonymous report. Anonymous reporting, however, may impact the University’s ability to respond or pursue appropriate action against the alleged perpetrators. On-line reports will be reviewed by the associate dean of students, or designee.

If you are not sure whether or not a bias incident may be a hate crime, report it anyway to SUPD at 617.573.8239.

It is best to report an incident as early as possible to facilitate the investigation. SUPD, and other offices (link to reporting options) will be able to refer you to a variety of support resources both on and off campus that will be helpful. Please do not hesitate to request this information at any time. It is important to talk to someone if you experience or witness a bias incident or hate crime

Online Anonymous Reporting Form

First name:

Required fields are marked with an asterisk (*)

Date this report is made (month, day,year):

*

Person providing this information:

*

Contact information for the person providing this information (if not anonymous):

Please describe what happened in as much detail as you can including times, locations, number and names of witnesses, targeted students or groups and what makes you believe the incident was hate-motivated:

*

What types of identity do you believe this incident was targeting? (Please check all that apply)*:

Race

Color

National Origin

Religion

Sex

Age

Disability

Sexual Orientation

Gender Identity

Gender Expression

Genetic Information

Veteran Status

Other Identity (enter below)

What form(s) did the incident take? (Please check all that apply)*:

In person verbal

Telephone call

Mail

Email

Social media posting

Graffiti

Harassment

Intimidation

Vandalism of living space

Vandalism of vehicle

Vandalism of work or study space

Vandalism of personal property

Vandalism of a residence hall

Vandalism of academic building

Vandalism of administrative building

Physical assault with weapon(s) (enter below)

Physical assault without weapon

Sexual assault

Other Incident form (enter below)

Was this incident reported to anyone:

Yes

No

If yes, to whom was the incident reported?:

Were you satisfied with the result?

Yes

No

Comments:

Would you like a dean in the Student Affairs Office to contact you about this incident?:

Yes

No

If yes, please provide your name, telephone number, or department and email address. You do not have to enter this information to file a report:

Type the letters here:

Thank you for completing this form.

Training Programs About Discrimination and Harassment

Training Programs

Suffolk University will offer training to university responders including RAs and members of the Residence Life Staff, SUPD, members of the Facilities Department, Residence Life Staff, members of the Discrimination, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Prevention Team and classes or departments on how to identify and respond to discrimination and harassment, including bias incidents and/or hate crimes.

If you are interested in participating in a training or scheduling a training for your group or department, please contact diversity@suffolk.edu or 617.573.8613.